Here are some other key considerations any new dog owner should take into account when bringing a puppy or a dog into the home:

Dos

• The Control of Dogs Order 1992 requires that any dog in a public place must wear a collar tag with the name and address of the owner written on it. Your telephone number is optional. The Kennel Club can provide these tags from the Online Shop.
• It is highly recommended that you microchip your dog and register it with Petlog, the largest pet reunification scheme in the UK, as this can prove extremely effective in locating a lost pet. The Petlog Premium Lost and Found service can even alert local vets and dog wardens when an owner reports when and where their pet was lost. This can be done by telephone, SMS text message or via the Petlog website. However, it is vital to the effectiveness of this service that owners keep their records up to date, informing Petlog of any change in circumstances. Contact Petlog on 0870 606 6751.
• Attend dog training classes. The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme can provide you with a list of classes in your local area. Telephone 020 7518 1011 or email gcds@thekennelclub.org.uk to find out more.  Remember – a trained dog is a happy dog!
• Keep your dog under control at all times.
• Train your dog to use the kerb correctly.
• Always clean up after your dog.
• Keep your dog close to you when walking it on a lead.
• Respect the Countryside Code.
• Give your dog the correct amount of exercise and play it needs.
• Feed your dog a balanced, nutritious diet with adequate food and water.
• Worm your dog routinely.
• Register your dog with your local vet, attend annual health checks and ensure your dog is adequately immunised/vaccinated.
• Take out veterinary insurance to cover any unforeseen injuries or illnesses.
• Groom your dog regularly.
• When booking holidays, make suitable arrangements for your dog in good time and ensure all vaccination certificates are up to date before booking your dog into kennels.
• Consider that adult dogs of either sex can be neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.
• Consider either third party legal liability insurance or take out specific canine insurance in case your dog causes damage or an accident.  The Kennel Club offers a range of healthcare policies to suit the needs of you and your pet.  For more information please visit www.kennelclub-petinsurance.co.uk or call 01296 390 617.
• REMEMBER – not everybody loves dogs. Only a minority of the population are dog owners – respect the views of others.

Don’ts

• Don’t allow your dog to foul footpaths, parks or public places. Local authorities have the power to make it an offence punishable by a fine. [Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996].
• Don’t allow your dog to interfere with passers-by in the street.
• Don’t allow your dog to make unnecessary noise.
• Don’t take your dog into food shops or places where dogs are not allowed.
• Don’t allow your dog to roam freely in grazed fields or through crops.
• Don’t allow your dog to chase livestock or wildlife.
• Don’t leave your dog alone for long periods of time – dogs feel lonely just like humans.
• Don’t allow your dog to roam the streets or countryside unsupervised.
• Don’t spoil your dog – spoilt dogs are as bad as spoilt children.
• Don’t leave your dog unattended in a vehicle for any period of time or left in vehicles on hot days.

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